Although Bayern Munich did not fully flex their muscles, they showed enough to see why so many tip them as favorites for this year’s Champions League trophy. Thiago Alcântara’s super passes and Robert Lewandowski’s goalscoring prowess tore through a battered Chelsea, whose tactical gamble failed to pay off. Tactical analysis and match report by Joel […]
Despite a particularly inspired Cristiano Ronaldo, Juve’s structural issues were hard to overcome even for the Champions League’s greatest goalscorer. Lyon did not need the most solid of defensive systems, which leaked a few chances, as they could sit on a comfortable lead and watch Juve’s self-inflicted harm pave the way to the next round. […]
The scoreline was ultimately decided by two mistakes from Raphaël Varane, which allowed Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus to get on the scoresheet either side of Karim Benzema’s equalizer for Real Madrid. Despite Madrid’s goal, City were always the better team in the match, able to press effectively against Madrid’s buildup, and in the second […]
In an empty Parc Des Princes, punctuated by the sounds of fireworks set off by supporters barred from entry, PSG dismantled a skittish Dortmund side with the type of professional performance that had eluded them in previous years. Tactical analysis and match report by K.T. Stockwell. PSG went without football over the weekend, as their […]
The game played out largely as most predicted it would, with Atlético in a low block 4-4-2 shape fending off Liverpool wave after Liverpool wave. Strong goalkeeping and emergency defending from Atlético kept them in the game, but Liverpool were able to take it to extra-time thanks to Georginio Wijnaldum’s goal. Chaos then descended as […]
José Mourinho switched to a somewhat surprising 3-4-3 formation for this Champions League return match. The switch appeared to bring Tottenham Hotspur slightly more joy, without surrendering the numerical advantage in wide buildup to RB Leipzig. However, the severely lacking cohesion in Spurs’ attacks – especially compared to Leipzig – made a telling difference. Tactical […]
A chaotic game saw both Atalanta and Valencia struggle to carry out their game plans, eventually falling victim to individual mistakes that set off a relentless shower of goals. Josip Iličić once more stood out as the leading force, with four goals to his name carrying Atalanta into the quarter-finals. Tactical analysis and match report […]
Despite an up-and-down league campaign, on paper, Juventus were overwhelming favourites and expected to ease past a Lyon side wallowing in seventh place in Ligue 1. Instead, the home side dug in their heels and delivered a stunning upset in front of a raucous crowd at Stade Groupama. Tactical analysis and match report by K.T. […]
A conservative City was easily neutralized by a solid Real Madrid team in an encounter that saw both sides spar out until the home side’s fortunate goal triggered Guardiola’s reaction. With all guns out, Real Madrid were no match for City, slowly crumbling as the visitors rose to the top of the Bernabéu. Tactical analysis […]
A frustrating evening for the visitors came forth from their inadequacies in attack just as much as it was due to a very well-drilled and aggressive defense from their opponents. All the possession for Barça but only the one goal, albeit a crucial one, to show for it. Tactical analysis and match report by Peter […]